But back to the Chronicle story. The Oakland Raiders appear to be on the verge of firing head coach Lane Kiffin. It bears watching in Syracuse because, well, the Orange may soon have its own coaching opening and Kiffin is probably/likely on Daryl Gross's list of potential replacement candidates.

Kiffin, 32, has the USC pedigree that Gross values. Kiffin was offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator with the Trojans. And of course, Daryl is the former associate AD at USC. They have a relationship. Kiffin's sudden availability could make him an instant replacement if Gross and the university decide to fire Greg Robinson. In the if, if, if world, Kiffin could get into Syracuse, start recruiting and begin the process of rebuilding the program before every other school gets in the business of hiring and firing coaches toward season's end.